Former Test batsman Marcus North has made the surprise decision to announce his retirement from Australian first-class cricket.

The 34-year-old produced some of his best form for a number of seasons to guide Western Australia to the Sheffield Shield final with 886 runs at an average of 63.28 just one year after being dropped by the first team.

"I felt it was the right time to move on, in many ways, from family reasons through to the way I feel about my cricket at the moment," North, who spent time away from the game following the death of brother Lucas in November, revealed in a statement.

"I really enjoyed arguably one of the best seasons in my career, but it's exhausting and I've got to the stage now where it's a big effort to maintain that over a season.

"It's a huge bonus [to go out on my own terms] and I'm just so grateful to get another opportunity this year after last year and I'm thrilled I made the most of it."

North, who scored five centuries in 21 Test matches, is expected to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash next year, and is believed to be interested in playing for a county in England.